1 Indian Army’s Southern Command conducts Exercise Amogh Jwala
2 Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff and Space Applications Centre of ISRO signed a Memorandum of Understanding
The Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters and the Space Applications Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation- ISRO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for maintenance of existing satellite-based telecommunication nodes and supply of additional nodes to the armed forces . The two sides reviewed the existing satellite-based telemedicine arrangements and discussed the roadmap for next generation nodes, the Defence Ministry said in a social media post.
The Delhi Assembly has taken a major step towards technology by launching an AI-based chatbot, “Vidhan Sathi,” for MLAs . This makes the Delhi Assembly the first in the country to introduce such a technological feature. Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta stated that MLAs have to work on complex laws and policies in a limited timeframe, and “Vidhan Sathi” will provide them with clear and reliable information, making discussions in the House more effective and fact-based. This chatbot will be available for use starting with the Budget Session, which begins on March 23rd. It will provide MLAs with data-driven analysis and information on bills, laws, and policy issues. Members will also be able to receive instant analysis by uploading screenshots.
4 Tribal Ministry launches premium signature brand “Risa: Timeless Tribal”
In a groundbreaking initiative to elevate India’s rich tribal heritage to the forefront of global fashion and lifestyle , Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram launched a premium signature brand, “Reesa: Timeless Tribal” at Sunder Nursery , New Delhi on March 18, 2026. The premium signature brand, Reesa, aims to preserve tribal looms and craft traditions and attract consumers to tribal fabrics/apparels, embroidery and handicrafts. and generate interest among discerning consumers in tribal textiles/apparel, embroidery, and handicrafts. The initiative aims to create a unique brand identity for tribal products, enabling the craftsmanship of India’s ethnic communities to find a suitable place in the domestic and international premium markets. Reesa is designed to bridge the gap between traditional techniques and contemporary demand. According to N.S. Raji, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the first phase of the project will cover 10 clusters, five of which will focus on tribal weaving, two on embroidery, and three on handicrafts.
5 Bhupathiraju Anmish Verma sets Guinness World Record for fastest ascent of seven volcanic peaks
Bhupathiraju Anmish Verma of India has entered the Guinness World Records by setting the record for climbing seven volcanic peaks in the shortest time. Anmish, a resident of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, climbed these peaks in 92 days, 4 hours and 45 minutes . He started climbing Mount Elbrus in Russia on October 23, 2024 and reached the seventh peak, Mount Sidley in Antarctica, on January 23, 2025 .
6 Teacher and EdTech entrepreneur Alakh Pandey made it to Forbes list of world’s billionaires
Indian teacher and edtech entrepreneur Alakh Pandey has made it to the Forbes list of world’s billionaires . He joins 229 Indian billionaires this year. The richest Indians on the list are Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, the second-richest . Savitri Jindal, head of the O.P. Jindal Group, has become the country’s third richest woman, representing a group of 20 female billionaires in India. Among all Indian billionaires, Lakshmi Mittal, the country’s fourth-richest person, is the highest-earning. This year’s top 10 list also includes Kotak Mahindra Bank founder Uday Kotak, who was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan. Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma has also made it to the list again this year.
India’s energy capacity has increased to 520.51 GW by January 2026. Power deficit has reduced to 0.03 percent in December 2025 from 4.2 percent in FY14. This information was given by the government on Thursday. In the document released by the government ahead of the India Electricity Summit 2026, it said that in FY26 (as on January 31, 2026), the country’s energy capacity (from all sources) has increased by 52,537 MW (52.53 GW). In this, the share of renewable energy is 39,657 MW (39.65 GW) , which includes solar capacity of 34,955 MW and wind capacity of 4,613 MW.
8 A grand exhibition titled Cow Technology 2026 was organised at the Agriculture College, Pune from March 20 to 23.
The Maharashtra Gauseva Aayog , in collaboration with the Global Confederation of Cow-Based Industries and various organizations, will organize a grand exhibition, Gau-Technique 2026, from March 20-23 at the College of Agriculture, Pune . The exhibition aims to promote cow-based agriculture and strengthen the rural economy, while also encouraging village industries and expanding market opportunities. This initiative is an important step towards achieving the goal of a developed India 2047.
9 HDFC Bank part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigns
On March 18 , HDFC Bank ‘s part-time chairman and independent director, Atanu Chakraborty, resigned from his position. Citing ethical reasons, Atanu wrote, “Some unethical actions are being taken that are against my personal values and ethics, and therefore, the time has come to step aside.” Atanu joined the board of HDFC Bank in May 2021. Atanu is a retired IAS officer from the 1985 batch of the Gujarat cadre. He served in the Ministry of Finance from 2002 to 2007, first as a director and later as a joint secretary. During Atanu’s tenure, the largest merger of HDFC Ltd. and HDFC Bank, worth ₹40 billion, took place. In 2019-20, Atanu served as the Secretary of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance.
The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) held a bilateral meeting with the Australian Skills Authority (ASQA) in New Delhi . The meeting aimed to collaborate and exchange knowledge within the Business Education, Training and Skills (VETS) sectors . According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the VETS meeting developed a framework to address regulatory frameworks and operational challenges within the ecosystem. The two countries will jointly develop training programs for students and workers in artificial intelligence, green jobs and energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and joint vocational programs.
11 Commonwealth Youth Games: To be held in Malta from October 29 to November 4 next year, athletes aged 14 to 18 will participate.
The Commonwealth Youth Games 2027 will open in Malta on October 29th , followed by a six-day sports program from October 30th to November 4th . Approximately 1,200 athletes aged 14 to 18 will participate in the Youth Games, representing 74 Commonwealth countries and territories . The Commonwealth Youth Games 2027 will feature eight sports: swimming and para-swimming, athletics and para-athletics, netball, sailing, squash, triathlon, water polo, and weightlifting. The competitions will be held at seven venues across the islands of Malta and Gozo. These venues include the Cottonera Indoor Pool, Tal-Kroq National Pool, Mars Athletics Stadium, Mars Sports Centre, Mellieha Bay, Gozo Indoor Sports Pavilion, and Marsalforn Bay. Malta 2027 is poised to mark a significant milestone in the history of the Commonwealth Youth Games by hosting the largest Para Games event ever. This achievement builds on the success of the inclusion of Para Athletics at the previous edition in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023.
The World Athletics Council has awarded India the hosting rights of the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028. This was confirmed by Athletics Federation of India (AFI) President Bahadur Singh Saggu on Thursday. “India will host the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028 in Bhubaneswar. This global competition will be held at the Kalinga Indoor Stadium,” the AFI President said. India was awarded the hosting rights of the 2028 edition of the World Athletics Indoor Championships during the World Athletics Council meeting in Torun, Poland on Thursday. Torun is also hosting the 2026 edition from March 20 to 22. Besides, India had previously hosted the World Half Marathon in 2004 in New Delhi.